The International Schools Podcast theinternationalschoolspodcast

Join Kathleen, Eric, and Michael for a conversation, as they share their extensive experience in supporting international schools, leaders, and educators, with a special focus on online learning. Together they share their insights into the diverse lessons learned from online and blended learning experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Why some schools have embraced change in the post-pandemic era, while others have maintained their pre-pandemic practices. A look into the innovative approaches and developments that have emerged in the realm of online education since. Exploring the essential systems, mindsets, and structures that are crucial for transformative online learning. How might educators, leaders, and international schools leverage these opportunities to enhance their learning communities.
 
About Eric Hudson 
 
Eric is a facilitator and strategic advisor who supports schools in making sense of what’s changing in education. He specializes in learner-centered assessment, human-centered leadership, and strategic program design. Most recently, Eric spent a decade at Global Online Academy (GOA), first as an instructional coach and ultimately as Chief Program Officer, working with schools around the world to rethink where, when, and how learning happens. Prior to GOA, he was a teacher at the middle school, high school, and college levels. The classroom is where he developed his passion for designing learning experiences. Eric serves on the board of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS). His Substack newsletter “Learning on Purpose” has been featured in The Marshall Memo and The Educator’s Notebook. He has a M.A. from University of California, Berkeley, and a B.A. from Cornell University.
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ejhudson/
 
About Kathleen Ralf 
 
Kathleen Ralf is the Blended and Online Learning Coordinator at Frankfurt International School as well as teaches Genocide & Human Rights for Global Online Academy. She is also a member of the ELMLE Steering committee which organizes a conference each year that supports teaching and learning for European Middle School educators. 
 
As the pandemic loomed, her skills and experience in designing interactive blended and online courses were vital in coaching teachers to help their students feel more empowered and in control of their learning in online spaces.  
 
She has been working in International Education for 15 years, and worked as a public school teacher for 14 in Washington state. She has a Masters in Educational Technology from Walden University.
 
LinkedIn: Kathleen Ralf
 
About Michael Nachbar
 
Michael Nachbar, Executive Director of GOA, leads a global network of schools and educators aiming to reshape learning. His work focuses on bridging foundational principles of teaching and learning with emerging technologies and innovative pedagogy.
 
Michael is a regular speaker at national and international conferences, and presents on topics such as non-profit leadership and trends in educational innovation.
 
In addition to his responsibilities at GOA, Michael serves on several educational boards, including those of Lakeside School and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). He was a founding board member of the Mastery Transcript Consortium and has served as a trustee for Summer Search, the Independent School Association Network (ISAnet) and JUMP! Foundation.
 
He holds a B.A. in both English and Psychology from Indiana University, and earned a M.A. in Education Leadership through the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College. Michael began his teaching career as a Teach For America corps member.
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-nachbar/ 
 
Resources
 
Learning on Purpose blog: erichudson.substack.com 
Any of GOA’s Teacher professional development offerings.
Classroom Management in the Digital Age
World Economic Forum 6 Work & Workplace Trends t

Join us for a conversation with John Nash, Associate Professor, Director, Laboratory on Design Thinking and speaker on educational innovation and leadership. In this discussion, John shares his research from the University of Kentucky, focusing on the challenges and opportunities schools face in balancing structured curriculums with the need for adaptability in education. We explore how schools are addressing skill gaps among educators amidst rapid advancements in AI and how these changes intersect with traditional teaching methods. We also discuss the potential impact of emerging technologies, like deep fakes, on media literacy instruction and how schools can develop strategies to foster independent thinking and effectively leverage generative AI.
 
About John Nash
 
John Nash was born and raised in Silicon Valley and has 30 years of experience in leadership development, strategy design, and social science research. In his work he champions the creation of learner-centric schools via design thinking as the faculty director of the Laboratory on Design Thinking at the University of Kentucky.
 
He also serves as a reliable source for educators and policy makers on generative AI, from the federal government to universities and P-12 schools. He is on the generative AI advisory boards at the University of Kentucky and the MidPacific Institute in Honolulu. He’s presented on AI for the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents, the U.S. State Department, and offices in Kentucky State government, as well as appeared on National Public Radio affiliates.
 
John's passion lies in helping educators in schools, colleges, and universities use human centered design to create programs and services that delight their students, teachers, and community. He is the author of the book "Design Thinking in Schools: A Leader’s Guide to Collaborating for Improvement" (Harvard Education Press).
 
John has held faculty positions at Iowa State University and the University of Texas at El Paso and was a social research scientist at Stanford University where he directed interdisciplinary and international teams of research scientists examining the application of innovative technologies on learning.
 
John Nash on Social Media
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jnash/ 
X: https://twitter.com/jnash 
 
Resources
 
Book: Design Thinking in Schools: A Leaders’ Guide to Collaborating for Improvement, published by Harvard Education Press, is a practical guide for educators, particularly school leaders, on implementing design thinking principles to foster student-centered learning and improve school systems. 
 
Podcast: John Nash and Jason Johnston are the co-hosts of “Online Learning in the Second Half,” a podcast that explores various topics related to online education, such as pedagogy, psychology, technology, design, and research. They interview experts and practitioners and researchers to shares insights and best practices that inspire and inform listeners who are interested in improving online teaching and learning. You can listen to the podcast at this link.
 
dLab: http://dLab.uky.edu
 
I quoted Marissa Mayer in the podcast (Leaders should have “a healthy disregard for the impossible.”). Here is the reference to the article from which that quote was drawn:
Mayer, M. A. (2006). Creativity Loves Constraints. BusinessWeek, 3971, 102.
 
This article may be of interest:
Why Constraints Are Good for Innovation, Harvard Business Review (may have paywall)
 
Listeners may try out the Generative AI Guidelines Canvas here.
 
Folks may learn about the School Leadership AI Bootcamp here.
 
Generative AI chatbots a new user may like to try:
https://pi.ai
http://perplexity.ai
 
Dr. Brandeis Marshal: What’s Un AI-able.
 
Dr. Michelle Miller: Teaching from the Same Side
 
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
 
Dan Taylor on so

Join us for a conversation with Dale Plotzki exploring the case for why international educators should understand Bitcoin and its place in financial security. Dale and Dan share a breakdown of what this is, how it works, what are its benefits for internationally mobile professionals as well as their own reflections from their personal experience. We also learn from Dale experiences working in Peru and South Korea as an international school educator focused on supporting his community with technology 
 
About Dale Plotzki
 
Dale Plotzki is on a mission to revolutionize the way we teach and learn. He is currently serving as the Learning and Innovation Coordinator at the International School of Busan in South Korea. Dale's passion for technology goes beyond mere gadgetry; he's driven by the desire to make education more efficient, meaningful, and captivating. Whether it's using emergent technology to explore new pathways in schools,, data visualization to make complex systems digestible, gamification to make learning fun, or coaching to help teachers hone their skills, Dale is all about enhancing the learning experience. When he's not busy transforming education, you'll find him spending time with his family, riding the waves on his surfboard, whipping up culinary masterpieces, or promoting financial sovereignty and security through Bitcoin.
 
Dale Plotzki on Social Media
 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dale_rickardo 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-plotzki/ 
 
Resources
Bitcoin 101
The Legendary Treasure of Satoshi Nakamoto  
 
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
 
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt 
Web: www.appsevents.com
 
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

Join us for a conversation with Julia Walker, host of the Across Oceans podcast, and guest Brogan Lund.  Julia, a child of international school educators, and Brogan, a Third Culture Kid (TCK) and international school graduate, share what it means to be TCKs, as young adults and professionals. Together they share how growing up in various countries and attending different international schools has shaped their identities and perspectives. They share their stories and insights about growing up overseas, returning to their passport countries, and the unique experiences and challenges that come with being a TCK. 
 
About Julia Walker
 
Julia grew up attending the international schools her parents worked at. As a family, they lived in Canada, Egypt and Singapore before she returned to Canada to study. Now, she is finishing her masters degree in Switzerland. In 2022, she started her own podcast, Across Oceans, discussing all things related to being a Third Culture Kid (TCK) and a child of international school educators. 
 
Across Oceans Podcast Instagram:@acrossoceanspodcast
acrossoceanspodcast@gmail.com
 
About Brogen Lund
 
Brogan was born in Dallas, Texas to Canadian parents. His family moved to Singapore, then Atlanta, before finally settling in Geneva where he attended the International School and eventually became a Swiss citizen.   
After studying in Montreal, he has returned to his adopted home in Switzerland where he now works in IT.
 
Resources
 
Across Oceans Podcast 
 
Across Oceans is a podcast where we discuss all things related to Third Culture Kids (TCKs), growing up overseas, returning to passport countries, unique travel stories and more. You will hear a unique TCK perspective of someone who is now an adult, but who grew up moving around the globe because of their international school teacher parents. We’ll discuss the benefits, the challenges and everything in between with growing up as a global nomad. 
 
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/acrossoceans 
 
Books: 
Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds by Ruth Van Reken and David Pollock 
https://www.amazon.com/Third-Culture-Kids-Growing-Revised/dp/1857885252 
 
Incredible Lives and the Courage to Live Them: Thoughts of a Third Culture Kid Therapist by Rachel Cason 
https://www.explorelifestory.com/book/ 
 
Arrivals, Departures, and the Adventures In Between by Chris O’Shaughnessy 
https://www.chris-o.com/chriso/index.html 
 
Ted Talk:  Don’t ask me where I’m from, ask where I’m  a local 
https://www.ted.com/talks/taiye_selasi_don_t_ask_where_i_m_from_ask_where_i_m_a_local?language=en
 
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
 
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt 
Web: www.appsevents.com
 
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

As artificial intelligence is being integrated in international schools more prominently, we take this opportunity to connect with three educators: Cora, Dalton and James to explore how AI tools are being integrated into the classroom. What are the dispositions, approaches and tools that are having the most impact with student learning. How do classroom teachers navigate integrating these tools, what are some tips and strategies to consider in a classroom setting.
 
About Cora Yang
 
Cora Yang is a dedicated Learning Technology Coach at Renaissance College Hong Kong, specializing in PYP and MYP tech integration. With expertise in coding, robotics, VR, digital design, and circuit board, she enhances educational experiences. Cora believes in technology as a bridge to real-world skills, fostering exploration, innovation, and lifelong learning through project-based activities. Always curious, Cora eagerly explores new tech and shares her knowledge, inspiring students to unlock their potential in our ever-changing world.
 
X: @CoraEdTech
Linkedin: Cora Yang
Website: https://www.coraedtech.com/ 
 
About Dalton Flanagan
 
Dalton is a Learning and Innovation Coach at Chinese International School in Hong Kong, with over a decade of experience in education. He has a passion for designing authentic project-based learning experiences, and strives to connect students' learning journeys with cutting-edge technologies, fostering engagement and promoting in-depth exploration. His recent exploration into the realm of advanced AI models, such as Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and ChatGPT, have further expanded his ability to engage students and educators. 
 
X: @desertclimber
YouTube: @daltonflanagan
Linkedin: Dalton Flanagan

About James Wilson
 
James is Coordinator for the ‘PBL for Impact’ programme at Chinese International School in Hong Kong, a programme that cultivates through coaching and in-house workshops the core practices of project based learning across all subject areas. In his other role as a secondary ‘Individuals & Societies’ teacher, James co-creates learning experiences that validate the strengths and interests of students. More recently James has been exploring how AI can be used as a tool to foster both self-directed learning, and human connections.
 
Education
 
B.A. History & Philosophy (George Mason University, USA)
 
M.A. Anthropology (City University of New York)
 
Ed.D. Information Technology (The University of Hong Kong) 
 
X: @WilsJP
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-7718b971
 
Resources
 
General
OpenAI GPT for Teachers
Animated Drawings
Hugging Face Spaces
HeyGen
Prompt Guide
Blockade Labs
Canva Magic Studio
Magic School
Kaiber
Prompts for Educator - Made by Dalton
AI Tools for Educator - Made by Dalton
Safe Use of AI Generative Tools
 
AI Tools For: 
 
Conducting Research
 
Consensus (summarizing journal articles)
Perplexity (search engine that shares sources used)
WiseOne (cross-checking)
 
Critique & Revision
 
Poe.com (create bot for your feedback needs) 
 
Reading Comprehension
 
Diffit 
 
Keeping current with AI
 
AI tool report
OpenAI
AI Explained
1LittleCoder

John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
 
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt 
Web: www.appsevents.com
 
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
Would you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial

In this conversation, Kim and Christina, authors of 'Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership,' provide invaluable insights for educators and leaders in international schools. Drawing from their experience as international school educators and leaders, they share the experiences that inspired their book. This discussion delves into the challenges and achievements encountered by women navigating the landscape of international school leadership, offering unique perspectives and guidance for women exploring educational leadership roles in an international setting.About Kim CofinoKim has been an educator in international schools since August 2000. Having lived and worked in Germany, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan, Kim has had a variety of roles in international schools, including (her favorite) instructional coach. Now based in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim is the Founder and CEO of Eduro Learning, author of Finding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (Routledge), host of the #coachbetter podcast, and the creator of the Eduro Learning The Coach, Women Who Lead, and COETAIL certificate programs. Find out more about Kim and Eduro at: https://www.edurolearning.com.  Kim Cofino on Social MediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimcofino/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superkimbo/ EduroLearning LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eduro-learning EduroLearning Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edurolearning/ResourcesKimCofino.comEduro Learning#coachbetter podcastFinding Your Path as a Woman in School Leadership (Routledge): includes links to substack, Book Study, Book Reviews, etcFostering a Culture of Growth and Belonging: The Multi-Faceted Impact of Instructional Coaching in International Schools (recent book chapter I wrote)About Dr. Christina BotbylDr. Christina Botbyl is an experienced teaching and learning leader in international education. She is a facilitator with the National School Reform Faculty leading Critical Friends Group coaches training and is currently the Chief Academic Director at an international school.John Mikton on Social MediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmiktonWeb: beyonddigital.orgDan Taylor on social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt Web: www.appsevents.comListen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTubeWould you like to have a free 1 month trial of the new Google Workspace Plus (formerly G Suite Enterprise for Education)? Just fill out this form and we’ll get you set up bit.ly/GSEFE-Trial